Colleges merge to create significant benefits for city and region

Two of the city’s leading colleges have officially merged in an ambitious move that will create significant benefits for the city and region.

City of Portsmouth College has been formed by the merger of Portsmouth College and Highbury College and was formally constituted on 1 August 2021.

The newly formed College will give students of all ages even greater flexibility with their programmes and access to dedicated subject facilities at the different campus locations. The joint organisation will also expand a uniquely flexible curriculum offer within the city of Portsmouth, comprising A Levels, vocational diplomas, apprenticeships and higher education qualifications.

Paul Quigley, Chair of Governors at Highbury College, said:

'It’s a momentous day for our fantastic city. By joining forces, our colleges are strengthened through collective scale, financial revenue and geographic location. Thank you to all of the governors, the senior leadership teams and the wider staff at both Colleges who have worked so diligently to make our ‘City College’ vision a reality. It’s great news for the whole community, and I’m confident there are exciting times ahead.'

The merged college will shape an innovative post-16 curriculum that spans an extensive range of industry sectors and will excel in meeting the existing and future needs of local, regional and national skills demands.

Nick Wynne, Chair of Governors at Portsmouth College, said:

'We are already planning new and dynamic courses, apprenticeships and higher education options to provide more choice to learners of all ages, both in Portsmouth and further afield. I’d like to express my sincere gratitude to everyone who has supported the partnership, from our local schools, Portsmouth City Council and, of course, the University of Portsmouth who we look forward to working closer with in our recently created partnership for the future of the city.'

Over the coming academic year, Portsmouth College and Highbury College will retain their individual identities and will be unveiling the new City of Portsmouth College brand in September 2022. Students wishing to apply for a course should continue to do so via the relevant college website.